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IPPR/ACF report paves the way to community ownership of public assets |
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Press release from: ACF and IPPR
Contact: Finola Robinson, Society Media, tel: 020 8983 1987
Embargoed until: Tuesday 15th May 2007
 IPPR/ACF report paves the way to community ownership of public assets 93.49 Kb
Local authority concerns about devolving ownership of publicly-owned assets to community groups are real but can be easily addressed, according to findings published by the Adventure Capital Fund (ACF) today.
The research, undertaken by think-tank the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), shows that concerns that community-based organisations lack the capacity and accountability to take effective and legitimate ownership of important local assets can be overcome.
While the report Community asset transfers: overcoming challenges of governence and accountability accepted there are risks involved in any asset transfer, it argues that any lack of capacity and accountability could be dealt with by boosting the capacity of community organisations.
The researchers argued that risks could be mitigated if community organisations adopted suitable democratic structures and measures to become more accountable to the communities in which they operate.
Stephen Bubb, chair of the ACF, said: "There is no point in local authorities dumping decrepit buildings which will become liabilities for community groups. It is important that public bodies work closely with communities to ensure they have the capacity to reap the benefits for the public.
"Asset transfers enable third sector organisations to become more sustainable, independent and free from the shackles of grant dependency. ACF is looking to grow exponentially to meet the demand for investment among local communities."
Sue Peters, managing director of investments at ACF, said: "This report is an important milestone to revitalising community facilities in a modern Britain. ACF has an impressive track record in investing in community enterprises behind some of the most exciting asset transfers that are already delivering social and financial dividend for local communities."
The Quirk Review of the ownership and management of community assets, also published today (15 May 2007), will reinforce Government calls to boost powers and policies to promote the devolution of responsibilities for local assets to community groups.
The Office of the Third Sector is promoting transfers of physical assets to community-based organisations to improve local services, enhance civil life and give people more control over important decisions that affect their neighbourhoods. This has been dubbed ëdoorstep devolutioní.
It is also believed that public service users and frontline workers should be empowered to better design services according to local needs and priorities, as research shows that greater public involvement can improve the performance of public services and the outcomes they generate.
Notes to editors:
- The ACF is hosting a free masterclass on community asset transfer on 2 July 2007 which includes a keynote speech by Barry Quirk, CEO of Lewisham Council and Head of the Government's review of asset transfer. Members of the public can attend by emailing
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. Press places can be reserved by emailing Henry Palmer at
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.
- The Institute for Public Policy Research is the UKís leading progressive think tank, producing cutting-edge research and innovative policy ideas for a just, democratic and sustainable world. Since 1988, it has been at the forefront of progressive debate and policymaking in the UK.
- The ACF was launched in December 2002 to make new forms of investment in community organisations. It strengthens communities by investing in organisations that work in and for those communities. By helping organisations to become stronger and more selfñsufficient through enterprise, ACF aims to help them become sustainable in the long term and better able to control their own destines by becoming less reliant upon shortñterm grants. The ACF is a unique funding combination of three government departments plus several regional development agencies, and is delivered through a partnership of leading players in social and economic regeneration.
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